Thomas Gordon (lawyer)

Thomas Gordon (1652–28 April 1722) was a Scottish emigrant to the Thirteen Colonies who became Chief Justice and Attorney General in the Province of New Jersey. ^[1]

Early life

Thomas Gordon was born in Pitlurg, Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1684, settling in the province of East New Jersey. In 1692-1693 he was appointed Deputy Secretary and Register for the East Jersey Proprietors, Clerk of the Court of Common Right, Register of the Court of Chancery, Judge of the Probate Court and a Commissioner to try small cases. On November 10, 1703 he represented the town of Perth Amboy in the first General Assembly of the newly reunited Province of New Jersey and in the same year was appointed Register of the Council of Proprietors of East Jersey.

At the Assembly of 5 May 1708 he was elected Speaker in place of Samuel Jennings, who was indisposed. On 28 April 1709 he was made Chief Justice of New Jersey by Governor John Lovelace, but within a few months was appointed Receiver General of the Province, holding the post until 1719. He was also appointed Attorney General (January 22, 1714) and a member of the Council by Governor Robert Hunter, in which latter position he served until 1722.

Personal life

He married twice; firstly Helen and secondly Janet Mudie, the daughter of David Mudie of Perth Amboy. He had children with both wives.

Death

He died in 1722 and is buried in St. Peter's Churchyard, Perth Amboy.

References